A Sheffield business is opening its doors to help a local fundraiser raise thousands of pounds for a stroke charity.
Jay McGreneghan, from Norfolk Park, is inviting families and supporters to a charity open day at Sheffield Volkswagen on Saturday 19th May.
The Volkswagen fanatic is hoping to raise as much money and awareness as possible by embarking on an epic 2000 miles drive to Volkswagen’s headquarters in Germany, in a rare Volkswagen Constables Mobility car, powered by recycled cooking oil.
Upon arrival in Wolfsburg Jay will then complete a marathon and visit the Volkswagen’s Autostadt museum and factory before returning to the UK. He will also meet the Mayor of Wolfsburg and attend TV and news conferences.
Sheffield Volkswagen on Bochum Parkway, part of the Gilder Group, has handed over its Cafe 53 showroom as the venue for the charity event.
Entertainment will include performances by X Factor boot camp singer, Beverley Savarin, and, The Travelling Bagpiper, Stuart Maclaughlan.
Guests will also be able to view a Volkswagen classic car display, take part in a charity raffle and enjoy treats from Tunnock’s, the tea cake maker. In addition The Stroke Association will provide free blood pressure checks and health advice.
Speaking of the challenge Jay said: “After my father suffered two devastating strokes and my cousin Michelle passed away after suffering from cancer and a stroke I felt I needed to do something that will help others in a similar situation.
“All my fundraising efforts and the money raised will therefore go towards The Stroke Association appeal to raise £2.2 million for the build and upkeep of the UK’s national Life After Stroke Centre, which will help benefit individuals whose lives have been affected by a stroke.
“A number of businesses are supporting me, but I am especially grateful to Sheffield Volkswagen who has been instrumental in boosting the success of my mission.
“The Volkswagen service team have mechanically prepared the van, whilst the Gilder Body Repair Centre sprayed my 21 year-old, faded red van candy white, creating a blank canvas for advertising purposes. They generosity is outstanding especially now that they have given me use of Cafe 53.”
“Part of my plan is to attend a variety of shows after the marathon trip to display the vehicle and continue to raise money and awareness for Stroke. I’m also putting ideas together for future fund-raising missions using my Constables Caddy.”
Jay’s charity challenge will be begin at 5pm on Saturday 19th May, when he will leave Cafe 53 for a tour of UK business sponsors. He departs for Germany on 23rd May and upon arrive Volkswagen will provided accommodation for Jay, his support team including FuttFuttFutt Photography, who will be making a documentary on Jay’s challenge.
His marathon will commence on the Sunday 27th May, the same day as the Sheffield half marathon and he is expected to return on Tuesday 29th May. The charity schedule is made even more significant as the challenge will start and finish on his former cousin’s and father’s birthdays.
Speaking of the event Dave Littlewood, brand director at Sheffield Volkswagen, said: “We are more than happy to support Jay on his charity quest. He has worked very hard to raise awareness for this challenge and charity. By offering our services is the least we can do.
“We wish him lots of success and believe his fundraising efforts will touch many people.”
For more information and to sponsor Jay’s unique vehicle go to: www.JustGiving.com/PeoplesCar
Images courtesy of: FuttFuttFutt photography